Indian stimulator Arshdeep Singh etched his name in the record books by becoming India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. His historic feat came in the first T20I of the five-match series against England at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday, January 22. The left-arm seamer surpassed the veteran spinner’s tally Yuzvendra Chahalwho held the record with 96 wickets, to claim the top spot with 97 wickets.
Arshdeep Singh outplays Yuzvendra Chahal in T20Is
Arshdeep’s milestone moment began when he equaled Chahal’s record by dismissing Phil Salt for a duck on only the third ball of the innings.
DISAPPEARED! 💥#ArshdeepSingh provides the breakthrough, and Phil Salt is caught by #SanjuSamson on a duck! ☝
📺 Watch it FREE on Disney+ Hotstar: https://t.co/CBKmsIywOl #INDVENGOnJioStar 👉 1st T20I LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar & Star Sports! | #KhelAasmani pic.twitter.com/W3PBNkQDv2
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 22, 2025
The 24-year-old leader didn’t stop there, winning his 97th scalp by removing Ben Duckett in his second over. This feat not only ensured his place in Indian cricket history but also solidified his position as a cornerstone of India’s T20I bowling line-up. This feat follows his previous record in the previous series against South Africa, where Arshdeep dethroned Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become the most successful Indian pacer in T20Is. His current tally of 97 wickets in just 61 matches highlights his consistency and match-winning abilities.
Arshdeep is too precise to handle! 2 counters 🔥🔥🏏
Duckett Gone Eng is 17-2#INVENGE #Arshdeep pic.twitter.com/SyVavAhIHn
– Rana Husnain Aleem (@husnain19X) January 22, 2025
A stellar career path
Since his debut in 2022, Arshdeep has become India’s go-to attack bowler, displaying exceptional control and temperament, especially in high-pressure situations and death overs. His 95 wickets in 60 matches preceding this match reflect his meteoric rise in international cricket. By exceeding Jasprit BumrahWith the record of 89 wickets in 69 innings, Arshdeep’s success underlines his talent and efficiency. Bumrah’s economy rate of 6.27 has long been praised, but Arshdeep’s ability to deliver clutch moments and adapt to different conditions has distinguished him as the most reliable T20 bowler in India.
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England’s power play: a mixed record
England’s power play saw a combination of early hitting and resilience. India, choosing to field first at Eden Gardens, struck early through Arshdeep. The left-arm pacer dismissed Salt for a duck in the very first over, setting the tone for the hosts. Duckett followed soon after, falling to Arshdeep’s brutal delivery, leaving England at 17/2 in the third over. Despite setbacks, England captain If butler showcased his class with an aggressive start, hitting six boundaries during his unbeaten 34 off 22 balls. Supported by Harry Brookwho did not stay at six o’clock, Buttler steadied the ship. At the end of the power play, England had reached 46/2now has a decent run rate of 7.66. The brilliance of Arshdeep and Hardik Pandya‘s costly overs created an eventful first six overs, leaving the game delicately balanced.
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